South Dakota Road Trip Itinerary
A South Dakota Road Trip is a great way to explore the beauty of the region. This 1655 km route takes you from Rapid City to Custer, Faith, Mobridge, Pierre, and Interior, and back again to Rapid City. The best time to drive is during the summer months when the weather is mild and the landscapes are lush. Along the way, you'll be treated to picturesque views of rolling hills, lush meadows, and wide open spaces. The roads are in good condition, making it suitable for every driver. This 12-day road trip can be managed with a moderate budget, and you'll be rewarded with a high level of experience and memories.
12
number of days
1,655 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Rapid City
Distance 1,655 km
Driving time 22.6 h
Pace: fast
496.5 kWh
Airports
RAP
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Rapid City, located in South Dakota, is the perfect starting point for the South Dakota Road Trip. This vibrant city has plenty of attractions and activities to keep you busy. From the Museum of Geology to Dinosaur Park, the city has something for everyone.
For those who prefer the outdoors, a visit to the Reptile Gardens is a must. Here, you can explore a wide variety of reptiles, including snakes, lizards, and turtles. If you're looking for a more thrilling experience, head to Rushmore Tramway Adventures, where you can explore the Black Hills by air.
The closest international airport to Rapid City is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP). Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to start your South Dakota Road Trip.
Rapid City is the perfect starting point for exploring the Black Hills region. Here, you can explore the unique culture, history, and attractions of the area. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, Rapid City is the perfect place to start your South Dakota Road Trip.
1
Rapid City
- Custer
Distance 136 km
Driving time 2.4 h
Pace: modest
35.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Take a road trip from Rapid City to Custer, and explore the 84 miles of breathtaking scenery and historical sites in between. Start your journey at Wind Cave National Park, where you can explore the world's fourth-longest cave, watch a bison herd, and even take a horseback ride. As you drive through the Black Hills, take in the picturesque landscapes and be sure to look out for historical sites like the Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. With a drive time of fewer than three hours, you'll be in Custer before you know it. Along the way, make sure to take advantage of the many attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites available in the Itinerary of this stage. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a thrilling adventure, this road trip is sure to provide you with plenty of memories to last a lifetime.
Custer - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Custer
- Devils Tower
Distance 216 km
Driving time 2.8 h
Pace: fast
64.7 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip starting in Custer, United States, and leading through the majestic Black Hills and historical Deadwood. Enjoy a journey of 134 miles and fewer than 3 hours of driving, and discover the most interesting places these locations have to offer.
Start by exploring the Black Hills, a beautiful and unique region of pine-covered mountains and grass-covered hills. Visit the historic sites, such as Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial, and take in the breathtaking views of the area. Then, head to Deadwood, a charming town with a rich history. Here, you can explore the streets and buildings of the old mining town, visit the local museums, and try your luck at one of the many casinos.
Finally, make your way to Devils Tower, a stunning natural formation that stands 867 feet tall. Take some time to admire the unique geology of the area and the incredible views.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Devils Tower - United States - North America - Road Trip - National Park Service
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3
Devils Tower
- Faith
Distance 271 km
Driving time 3.0 h
Pace: fast
81.2 kWh
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Welcome road-trippers! Get ready for an amazing drive from Devils Tower to Faith. This stage of your journey will take you through some of the most stunning landscapes of Wyoming. The total distance of this route is 168mi and the estimated driving time is fewer than 3 hours.
Start your journey at Devils Tower National Monument and make sure to take a few pictures of this iconic rock formation. Then, continue towards Hulett and take a break at the Hulett Museum and Visitor Center. Here, you can learn more about the history of the area.
Continue your drive and make a stop in Sundance. Here, you can visit the Crook County Museum and learn about the local culture and heritage. After that, head towards Beulah and explore the Beulah Reservoir.
Next, take a break in Moorcroft and visit the Moorcroft Historical Museum. Here, you can learn more about the history of the area. Then, continue towards Aladdin and take a break at the Aladdin General Store.
Finally, you will arrive in Faith. Here, you can explore the local attractions such as the Faith Public Library, the Faith City Park, and the Faith Community Center.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Faith - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikipedia
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4
Faith
- Mobridge
Distance 182 km
Driving time 2.3 h
Pace: fast
54.6 kWh
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Start your adventure in Faith, United States and take a 113mi drive to Timber Lake. Here you can explore the stunningly beautiful nature of the Black Hills and visit the historic Bear Butte State Park. Continue your journey and head to Mobridge, where you can visit the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and the Sitting Bull Memorial. Along the way, you can also stop at the scenic Lake Oahe, a reservoir on the Missouri River. The drive will take you fewer than 3 hours and you’ll find plenty of attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Make sure to check the “Itinerary” section for more information about these. So, buckle up and get ready for your road trip from Faith to Mobridge!
Mobridge - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Mobridge
- Pierre
Distance 304 km
Driving time 5.2 h
Pace: modest
79.0 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Mobridge to Pierre! This 189mi journey will last fewer than 6 hours and will take you through the amazing sights of Eagle Butte. Start your adventure in Mobridge and visit the beautiful Mobridge City Park and the Mobridge Municipal Golf Course. The next stop is Eagle Butte where you can visit the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Museum and the Cheyenne River Youth Project. After that, your final destination is Pierre. Here you can visit the South Dakota State Capitol and the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center.
This is one of the stages of a larger tour and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, don't miss out on this amazing road trip from Mobridge to Pierre and make sure to explore all the interesting places along the way.
Pierre - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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6
Pierre
- Chamberlain
Distance 162 km
Driving time 2.4 h
Pace: fast
48.5 kWh
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Welcome to the Pierre-Chamberlain road trip stage! This stage of your journey will take you on a 100mi, 3-hour drive filled with attractions and scenery.
Starting in Pierre, the capital of South Dakota, you can visit the South Dakota State Capitol, the Cultural Heritage Center, and the South Dakota State Historical Society. Visit the Oahe Dam and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail for a unique outdoor experience.
Next, you’ll arrive in Chamberlain. Here, you can explore the Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, and the Chamberlain Fish Hatchery.
This is just one stage of your larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Chamberlain - United States - North America - Road Trip - Pikist
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7
Chamberlain
- Interior
Distance 233 km
Driving time 2.4 h
Pace: fast
69.8 kWh
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Welcome to the Chamberlain-Interior road trip stage! This 145mi journey will take you less than 3 hours to complete, and is part of a larger tour.
Start your journey in Chamberlain, home of the famous Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center. Here, you can explore the rich history of the Lakota people through interactive exhibits and displays.
Continue your journey towards Interior, where you can visit the Badlands National Park. This incredible park is filled with rugged cliffs, steep canyons, and otherworldly rock formations.
For a unique experience, visit the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. Here, you can explore the Cold War history of the United States and learn about the Minuteman Missile System.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Interior - United States - North America - Road Trip - pxhere.com
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8
Interior
- Rapid City
Distance 153 km
Driving time 2.0 h
Pace: fast
45.8 kWh
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Embark on an amazing road trip through the heart of the Badlands of South Dakota! Starting from Interior, you'll have a 95 mile drive ahead of you, taking no more than 2 hours. Along the way you'll be able to explore the wonders of Badlands National Park and the town of Wall. Badlands National Park offers a unique landscape of buttes, canyons, pinnacles and spires, created by millions of years of erosion. There are also plenty of historical sites to explore, including the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. Wall is a small town with a variety of attractions, including the world famous Wall Drug Store. Finally, end your journey in Rapid City, where you'll find plenty of attractions and accommodations. As you travel, take some time to enjoy the breathtaking views and take in the unique history of the area. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage.
Rapid City
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Rapid City, the second-largest city in South Dakota, is the perfect ending point for your South Dakota Road Trip. Located close to the Black Hills and Badlands National Park, Rapid City offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. Drive through the scenic Needles Highway to explore the unique rock formations, or visit the world-renowned Mount Rushmore National Memorial, where you can snap a picture of the four presidents carved into the mountainside. After a day of sightseeing, spend the evening in downtown Rapid City, where you’ll find a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops.
If you’re looking for outdoor activities, Rapid City has plenty to offer. Hike through the Black Hills National Forest, explore the Badlands, or take a drive to nearby Custer State Park, home to a variety of wildlife. You can also explore the nearby caves or take a trip to the 1880 Train to ride a historic steam engine.
No matter what you’re looking for, Rapid City has something to offer. And when it’s time to head home, the Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is the closest international airport, making it easy to continue your journey. So end your South Dakota Road Trip in Rapid City, and experience all that this amazing city has to offer.
South Dakota Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Rapid City
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End:
Rapid City
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Distance:
1,655 km
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Stay:
12 days
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Getting there:
Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on a captivating South Dakota Road Trip, spanning approximately 1,655 km (1,028 miles) of Scenic Drives that start and end in the vibrant city of Rapid City. Over 12 days, this adventure invites you to explore an array of breathtaking landscapes, from the rugged beauty of the Badlands to the majestic Black Hills. It's a journey that combines the allure of the great outdoors with the charm of small-town Americana.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Rapid City: The perfect launchpad for your travels, Rapid City is not only the gateway to Mount Rushmore, but it's also rich in Native American history and dotted with life-size dinosaur sculptures throughout the city.
- Custer: Venture into Custer State Park, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Here you might spot roaming bison, majestic elk, and curious prairie dogs amidst the park's 71,000 acres of wilderness.
- Faith: A small town with a big prehistoric past, Faith is near important dinosaur excavation sites and the Dinosaur Museum, which houses a fascinating collection of fossils.
- Mobridge: Overlooking Lake Oahe, Mobridge is a paradise for anglers and outdoor lovers, boasting some of the best walleye fishing in the state.
- Pierre: South Dakota's capital, Pierre, offers a quiet charm with its riverside location. The South Dakota State Capitol, with its stunning terrazzo floors and grand rotunda, is a must-see.
- Interior: A stone's throw from the dramatic landscapes of the Badlands National Park, Interior provides an up-close look at the park's striking geological formations and layered rock canyons.
Best Time to Go:
The ideal time for a South Dakota Road Trip is from late spring to early fall when the weather is mild and conducive to exploring the state's natural wonders. Late August and early September offer the added bonus of fewer crowds and the annual Buffalo Roundup in Custer State Park.
Interesting Facts:
- South Dakota is home to Jewel Cave, the third-longest cave in the world, with more than 200 miles of mapped passages.
- Mount Rushmore took 14 years to complete and features 60-foot high faces of four U.S. presidents.
- The Badlands National Park contains one of the world's richest fossil beds, dating back 37 to 28 million years.
Potential Risks:
- The weather in South Dakota can be highly variable; prepare for sudden temperature changes and storms.
- Wildlife encounters, particularly in the Black Hills and Custer State Park, require cautious driving.
- Some areas, especially within the Badlands, are remote with limited services, so plan your fuel and supply stops strategically.
A good choice for:
A South Dakota Road Trip is a journey through the heart of the American West that offers an enriching blend of natural wonders and historical intrigue. While generally a safe and affordable adventure, it's important to respect the local environment and wildlife, and to come prepared for the region's variable weather and remote locations. With careful planning, this Road Trip will create unforgettable memories and provide countless stories to share.
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